There are more than 365,000 missing children in the U.S. every year. Approximately 109,000 of them will be trafficked into sexual slavery or forced labor. Only 1% of Human trafficking victims are ever recovered. Two organizations dedicated to fighting the scourge of Human trafficking have just joined forces to fight this crime against humanity.

The LifeGuard Group and the Retired Investigators Guild (RIG) today jointly announced the signing of an agreement that will enable them to work collaboratively toward their shared goal of rescuing victims who have been abducted and trafficked into the world of sexual slavery and forced labor.

According to Lowell Hochhalter, CEO of The LifeGuard Group, “This partnership represents a significant step in our ongoing commitment to corporate social responsibility. By combining the expertise, passion and dedication of both groups, we believe we can make a meaningful impact on eradicating this crime that affects us all. The partnership brings together the RIG’s cutting edge investigative capabilities and the LifeGuard Group’s extensive experience in victim support and advocacy. Together, we will enhance the effectiveness of anti-human trafficking initiatives, streamline information sharing, and improve overall response strategies.”

Mike Marty, CEO of the RIG added, “The RIG is comprised of the very best of the best former and retired major crime investigators from throughout the United States and Canada. They are based in cities and towns from coast to coast and border to border and can be deployed either via the network or in person to lead or assist with investigations involving missing or abducted victims. By partnering with The LifeGuard Group, the RIG greatly expands its reach and capabilities in the fight against those who victimize the most vulnerable among us.”

Hochhalter continued, “We welcome the support of the RIG and are confident that their highly skilled investigative team will contribute significantly to our mission. Together, we can strengthen our efforts to combat human trafficking, rescue victims, and contribute to the creation of a world free from these egregious violations of human dignity.”

For The LifeGuard Group: Lowell Hochhalter, CEO
lowell@thelifeguardgroup.org

For the RIG: Mike Marty, CEO
​mmarty@therig.org 

Reno, Nev. (October 2023) – The Retired Investigators Guild (the RIG) and the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR), today jointly announced the establishment of a perpetual scholarship, sponsored by the RIG, in the name of Markisha Hibbler, who was the victim of a brutal homicide in 2015. The RIG leadership team and its partners will be hosting a special dinner in honor of Markisha and the scholarship on Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023, in Reno, Nevada. A presentation will follow with a special announcement from the RIG and UNR.
 
Markisha was the first person in her family to attend college and was working toward her nursing degree at UNR when she was murdered in the early morning hours of Sept. 19, 2015. The case was originally classified as an accident until it was assigned to Detective Mike Marty, then the lead homicide investigator for the Nevada State Police. Marty’s expertise and diligence revealed the true cause of death and led to the capture and incarceration of Markisha’s killer.
 
Today, Mike Marty is the co-founder and CEO of the RIG. “Our organization is comprised of the very best of the best retired and former homicide, cold case, and major crimes investigators from throughout the United States and Canada. We volunteer our time and specialized skills to help law enforcement agencies whose investigative resources have been hollowed out by the Defund movement,” he said.  
The RIG is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Reno that has national reach.
 
“Fewer than 10 percent of our country’s law enforcement agencies can afford to staff a cold case unit.  That’s why there are more than 300,000 unsolved murders sitting on the shelves of police departments across the nation,” Marty said. “And the majority of those cases involve victims from traditionally underserved and under-represented communities. The RIG is committed to helping bring closure for families of victims of violent crime who for far too long have felt they had no voice in our criminal justice system.”
 
According to Marty, more than fifty percent of the cases the RIG agrees to work involve victims from traditionally underserved and under-represented communities.  “Our mission is to restore America’s faith in law enforcement and to continue the tireless pursuit of criminals in the interest of victims of violent crime,” he said. “We recognize the disastrous impact of the Defund movement on the ability of our nation’s law enforcement agencies to attract and retain top talent and that is one reason we are proud to sponsor a scholarship in Markisha’s name at UNR. We are delighted to have the opportunity to help grow the next generation of public safety professionals.”
 
Donna Knotek, Executive Director of Development at UNR, and University President Brian Sandoval were instrumental in establishing the perpetual scholarship in Markisha’s name.
 
Media are invited to attend and cover the special presentation at 7:30 p.m. PST at the Bricks Restaurant in Reno, NV. Please contact Mike Marty at 1.833.RIG.LINE to set up an interview or to confirm attendance to cover the presentation.
 
Donations for the RIG’s work can be made by visiting the Retired Investigators Guild - Pledge page. Donations help fund the RIG’s programs. The organization is currently working hard to create strategic partnerships, staff key positions, build infrastructure, and get off the ground. Donations will go directly to funding this endeavor.
 
Additional information on the RIG can be found at www.therig.org.


.PDF Click Here

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

CREST Releases Groundbreaking Paper on Building Effective Cyber Crime Units, Partnering with The Retired Investigators Guild to Resolve Unsolved Major Crimes Tied to Technology

The First Annual Tactical Challenge Sponsored by CREST Will Take Place October 13 and 14 at the Renaissance Reno

Washington D.C., July 24, 2023 – CREST International, a leading accreditation and certification association, has forged a dynamic partnership with The Retired Investigators Guild (The RIG) organization dedicated to solving major crimes. Together, they proudly announce the release of an innovative research paper entitled "Building an Effective Cybercrime Unit." This groundbreaking paper offers law enforcement agencies invaluable insights, actionable strategies, and comprehensive steps to establish or enhance their investigative cybercrime units. Covering essential aspects like staffing, training, and collaboration, the paper is enriched with case studies and best practices, empowering law enforcement agencies, cybersecurity professionals, and policymakers to be well-equipped for future challenges in combating cybercrime.

In support of this initiative, CREST International has made a significant contribution to The Retired Investigators Guild (The RIG), a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to providing active major case support and cold case support to law enforcement agencies. The RIG also offers free training and services to law enforcement, seeking to bring closure to families and communities affected by violent crime. Additionally, CREST is proud to sponsor The RIG’s upcoming event, The First Annual Tactical Challenge, scheduled to take place in Reno on October 13-14th. The sponsorship will fund the resources and efforts dedicated to supporting law enforcement agencies and assisting victims of violent crime.

As the defunding of police and movements continues to strain law enforcement budgets across the United States, The RIG is committed to aiding agencies in navigating these challenges. The organization stands as a beacon of support, breathing life back into retired investigators, who statistically have a life expectancy of 6 to 9 years post-retirement.

According to Mike Marty, CEO of The Retired Investigators Guild, "Less than 10% of law enforcement agencies in the US have a cold case unit. With the number of cold cases surpassing 300,000 and increasing yearly, there is a clear need for strategic partnerships, case support, and training. The RIG leverages subject matter expertise from retired local, state, and federal investigators to assist the ever-dwindling number of active law enforcement professionals."

Tom Brennan, Executive Director of CREST International, Americas, adds, "Technological advancements play a pivotal role in fighting crime in society worldwide. CREST is a hub of accredited businesses, representing highly technical, certified individuals who make a difference on the frontlines daily. We are honored to be a Silver Supporter for The Retired Investigators Guild and its mission to solve cold case murders and provide training to law enforcement."

The partnership between CREST and The RIG sets the gold standard for collaboration in this space, pioneering a movement for other businesses to follow suit. Companies will have the opportunity to join forces with CREST, The RIG, or both, at the upcoming event. Furthermore, The RIG is actively establishing the criteria for a potential endowment scholarship with a computer science component, aligning with CREST's commitment to educate young people in the field of computer science for future generations.

This remarkable collaboration between CREST International and The Retired Investigators Guild will undoubtedly make a profound impact on cybercrime investigation and cold case resolution, strengthening law enforcement agencies' capabilities while fostering community support in the pursuit of justice. The joint efforts of these two esteemed organizations mark a turning point in the fight against crime, making the world a safer place for all.

To join the event movement and secure tickets, please visit:
https://www.therig.org/2023-event.html

About CREST International
CREST is an international not-for-profit, membership body representing the global cyber security industry with the goal to help create a secure digital world for all. CREST focuses on leveraging best practices and addressing the needs of contributors, users, and solution providers to create sustainable models for open collaboration and proving security posture. Through rigorous quality assurance of its members and delivering professional certifications to the cyber security industry. CREST accredits over 350 member companies, operating across dozens of countries, and certifies thousands of professionals worldwide across governments, regulators, academic institutions, training partners, professional bodies and other stakeholders around the world. For more information, please visit us at https://www.crest-approved.org/

About The Retired Investigators Guild (The RIG)
The Retired Investigators Guild is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation comprised of former and retired criminal investigators from local, county, state, and federal law enforcement agencies throughout the United States. In terms of building an effective cybercrime unit, RIG engages subject matter experts in the field of computer forensics, network, and technology as well as partner law enforcement agency assistance and local community leaders for awareness and collaboration. The RIG was created to give small to midsize law enforcement agencies help when they need it most. ​Collectively, through active case support, cold case support, and specialized training, the RIG will help rebuild our nation's ability to ensure the safety of all communities at no cost to the law enforcement agencies.

For more information contact The Rig directly at 1-833-RIG-LINE or dispatch(at)therig.org

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"The IACP is proud to serve as the training and technical assistance provider for the Law Enforcement-Based Victim Services and Technical Assistance Program (LEV Program). Sponsored by the Office for Victims of Crime, this project seeks to establish or enhance victim services programs in criminal justice agencies in order to couple law enforcement-based services with community-based program partnerships to serve the broad"er needs and rights of all crime victims.

The team at The RIG applaud this tip of the spear focus and look forward to working together in 2023.